Best gifts under $500 for grads (pictures)

Willing to spend a reasonable amount of money on your favorite grad this year? Here's a look at some top tech picks that cost less than $500.

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Asus VivoBook X202E

We don't recommend all that many laptops under $500, but the Asus VivoBook X202E is an exception. It's a touch-screen Windows 8 that's quite decent for the price. Normally it retails for $599, but Amazon has it for less than $500.
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Editors' Rating

Audioengine 2 powered speakers

We have the more expensive Audioengine 5+ speakers on our Best gifts for under $500 for dads list. But we've always had a soft spot for the smaller and more affordable Audioengine 2 speakers, which come in white and black and retail for $199.
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Editors' Rating

Audyssey Wireless Speakers

They might not sound as good as the Audioengine 2 speakers, but as their name indicates, these Audyssey Bluetooth speakers are wireless, enabling easy audio streaming from tablets and smartphones. Plus, they work as computer speakers.
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Editors' Rating

3M Streaming Projector

Pico projectors keep improving year over year and one of our favorites from late 2012 was the 3M Streaming Projector, which has an integrated Roku Streaming Stick, so you can stream Netflix and Amazon Instant movies right from the projector.

Sony PS Vita

The Vita hasn't exactly been a big hit and its game library isn't expanding quickly enough. But it's still a next-gen gaming experience in the palms of your hands and Sony may put resources into once the PS4 arrives this holiday season (the two consoles will be more integrated). It's somewhat pricey, but grads won't care too much about that if you're paying for it. Just don't forget to pick up a memory card when you buy it.
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Apple iPad Mini

A new, larger iPad (iPad 5) may be just around the corner, but until it shows up, the iPad Mini is a safe bet. And if your grad doesn't like it, he or she can always return it at an Apple store (unopened) and exchange it for something else.